WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP TODAY:

METHODIST CHURCH DISSOLVING

WHO OWNS THE PROPERTY AND ASSETS WHERE YOU GO TO CHURCH?

WHO PICKS YOUR PASTOR?

WHAT DOES YOU PASTOR BELIEVE?

HOW MUCH HAS THE METHODIST CHURCH SHRUNK THE PAST 50 YEARS?

IS THE CHURCH SLOWLY DYING IN THE U.S.?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED?

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Host Terry Lowry interviews influential and knowledgeable guests on relevant topics for today.

WHAT IS THE METHODIST CHURCH BECOMING?

Discussed by John Lomperis
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Part 1 of 3

Leaders and members of the United Methodist Church have been in a heated battle for decades. The time has come for a complete split between the liberal and conservative members.

John Lomperis is the Director of UM Action, a publication of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Today, John discusses reasons for the split and what churches can do to secure the future of their congregation before it’s too late.

Click here to read John Lomperis’ urgent letter on this matter.

Click here for even more information on the issue.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Who owns the local United Methodist church property, including all assets within the church building?

Who appoints the pastor for each United Methodist church? Does the local congregation have a vote in who their pastor is?

There are only thirteen United Methodist Seminaries in the United States and only one can be considered “conservative”. Do the others waiver on sound Biblical doctrine, such as: the virgin birth, Jesus Christ as the only son of God, his resurrection, and even the inerrancy of scripture?

What are the social issues being discussed and debated? John discusses the two main issues of homosexuality and the ordination of non-celibate pastors, but reminds us: “It’s not just one sin; it’s any kind of sin.”

PART 2 OF 3 - WHAT IS THE METHODIST CHURCH BECOMING?

Discussed by John Lomperis
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How many church congregations have joined the new Global United Methodist Church (GUMC)?

When must local congregations decide whether or not they want to leave the current UMC and join the GUMC? John stresses the urgency for local congregations to make a decision NOW as the deadline is mere months away. Click here to contact your conference representative for more information.

If a congregation chooses to move to the GUMC, what will it cost? Is financing available?

Click here for financial assistance from the Wesleyan Investment Foundation.

Click here for help from the Texas Methodist Foundation.

PART 3 OF 3 - WHAT IS THE METHODIST CHURCH BECOMING?

Discussed by John Lomperis
with Institute on Religion and Democracy www.theIRD.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why is it so imperative that local UMC congregations make a decision NOW to join the Global United Methodist Church? John has admitted that he personally advocated for staying within the United Methodist Church, but now truly believes a change is necessary due to what he calls “professional church killers”.

How much has the UMC shrunk over the past 50 years?

In John’s opinion, which side is most intolerant of the other? John reveals that he and other delegates to the UMC were forced to listen to a two-hour long “reeducation session” concerning LGBTQ issues. Listen to find out what they said!

Click here to help support the Institute on Religion and Democracy as they continue to spread the truth of the Gospel and advocate for democracy, human rights, and religious freedom.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED?

Discussed by Pastor Ed Ethridge – Retired
with Truth for You Ministries (www.truthforyou.net/)

Pastor Ed Ethridge discusses two often-debated theological topics: Once saved, always saved and sinning after we are saved.

Click here for more information about Pastor Ed’s ministry.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Must we be sinless before we can be saved?

Once we are saved, must we immediately stop sinning? “Once we come to the Cross and put our faith and trust in the Lord, the flesh still lives, so we’re going to sin,” Pastor Ed says. He goes on to explain what we should do when we do sin.

Paul said: “I do what I shouldn’t and don’t do what I should.” Did he purposely sin?

Do our sins hurt others? Pastor Ed discusses the “ripple effect”.

Should we give up trying to live a sinless life? Scripture Reference: Galatians 2:20

When we sin after we are saved, will we still go to heaven or will we go to hell? Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:9

What does it mean to be saved – to be born again? Scripture Reference: John 3

ZEPHANIAH PART 1

Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)

Day 5

Dr. David Capes subs in for Mark Lanier this week, teaching on the minor prophet Zephaniah. This week, Dr. Capes will focus on three areas: the oracles against the nations, the oracles against Judah, and a vision of hope.

Dr. David Capes is the Director of the Lanier Theological Library. https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/

To view Dr. David Capes’ video for this lesson, click here.

If you have a prayer request, need Scripture encouragement, or would like a copy of Mark’s lessons each week, email wantmore@biblical-literacy.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

When a nation and its people mess up, why is there always judgement first? Will restoration always follow? Can they truly be delivered from their enemies and receive justice for wrongs against them?

POINTS FOR HOME:
Obedience brings blessing. Disobedience brings hardship.
The God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament are the same.
Every empire or superpower is one generation away from collapse and becoming the dust of history.
Seek the Lord while he may be found. Humble yourself.
There is a new world coming. Look forward to it!

For more information about Mark Lanier’s Biblical Literacy class, click here.

A WORD OF AGONY

Discussed by Pastor Jarrett Stephens
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 5

Pastor Jarrett Stephens continues the sermon series: “Words in Red: Seven Last Sayings from the Cross”. This week, he focuses on the words of agony Jesus spoke on the cross as recorded in John 19:28-29.

NOTE: Champion Forest will have a special time of communion, worship, and baptism on Good Friday at all three of their campuses in Northwest Houston. For more information, call the church at 281.440.3800 or click the link below.

Find Pastor Jarrett’s sermon here.

If you have questions about a sermon, please contact Champion Forest at questions@cfbc.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

A WORD OF AGONY: Inclusivity

Do you like to receive invitations? It makes you feel special, right? Remember: Jesus dying on the cross was the ultimate invitation!

Who was the invitation for? Everyone! (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Revelation 7:15-17)

What are you thirsting for? Money? Status? A relationship? A better career? A new house/car? Can anything earthly satisfy our thirst? (Jeremiah 2:13) Pastor Jarrett passionately says: “If it’s not a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it is a broken cistern and it holds no water!” Why/how is the devil a “distracter”? (Matthew 11:28)

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Have you made your RSVP for eternity yet? What are you waiting for?
Have you sent out invitations to others yet? What are you waiting for?


If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, text the word JESUS to 77069 and a pastor or counselor from CFBC will call you back.

For more details about Champion Forest Baptist Church, click here.

PRAYER

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Heavenly Father,

You, O LORD, are forever with us, wherever we go.
You are mighty and will save us.
We will seek you and we will find you.
Father, you say, “Fear Not. I hold you in my right hand.”
We are blessed, for we take refuge in the God of the heavens.
You are great and there is none like you.
There is no God besides you.
Throughout this day, may we diligently seek for you.
May we find you at every turn.
With every step, with every breath, may we rejoice in our God. Always.
Rejoice in the Lord today and forever and forever.
Praying in Jesus name,

Amen